Medvedev, Obama discuss Karabakh on phone

July 12, 2011 - 10:44 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. President Barack Obama spoke with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to discuss a range of bilateral and international issues and to express his condolences on the tragic sinking of the MS Bulgaria.

President Obama thanked President Medvedev for Russia’s efforts at mediation in Libya, emphasizing that the United States is prepared to support negotiations that lead to a democratic transition in Libya as long as Gadhafi steps aside.

President Obama also expressed his support for President Medvedev’s mediation efforts regarding Nagorno Karabakh, and pledged American support for the effort to reach a framework agreement for negotiating a final peace agreement that will put an end to this conflict.

The two presidents also discussed Sudan and Afghanistan and our common objectives in both countries. Both presidents also reviewed the outstanding issues related to Russia’s World Trade Organization accession, and agreed to press to finish all aspects of these negotiations as soon as possible.

Finally, the President noted that he looks forward to meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday, July 13, the White House said in a press release.

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan

The conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan broke out as result of the ethnic cleansing launched by the Azeri authorities in the final years of the Soviet Union. The Karabakh War was fought from 1991 (when the Nagorno Karabakh Republic was proclaimed) to 1994 (when a ceasefire was sealed by Armenia, NKR and Azerbaijan). Most of Nagorno Karabakh and a security zone consisting of 7 regions are now under control of NKR defense army. Armenia and Azerbaijan are holding peace talks mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group up till now.